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Oakville Contractor Convicted and Fined $5,750 for Doing Electrical Work without Licence

Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) reminds Ontarians to check credentials
when hiring someone to do electrical work to avoid hazards and costly
repairs

MISSISSAUGA, ON, June 10, 2014 /CNW/ - A contractor was convicted in a
Burlington, Ontario court on May 26, 2014 of a charge relating to
performing electrical work illegally and another charge of advertising
to do electrical work while not holding the licence to do so.

Andrew Gallino of Gallino Contracting was found guilty on one count of
performing electrical work without an electrical contractor's licence
and one count of advertising electrical services without an electrical
contractor's licence.

A homeowner hired Gallino Contracting to replace an electrical panel and
rewire a basement. An ESA inspection found that the work did not meet
the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, which could have resulted in a
shock or a fire, and that Gallino was not licensed to do electrical
work. As a result, the homeowner had to hire a licensed electrical
contractor to redo the wiring, replace the panel and ensure the work
was done to Code.

The investigation also found that Gallino Contracting was advertising
electrical services on many websites despite not holding the licence to
do the work.

The court imposed a total fine of $5,750 for both violations. The fine
included a 25 per cent victim fine surcharge as required by the
Provincial Offences Act. The surcharge is credited to a special
provincial government fund to assist victims of crime.

"Unfortunately this homeowner hired someone who didn't hold a licence to
do electrical work, and who did not follow the rules and regulations.
The result was additional time, cost and inconvenience - not to mention
safety risk." said Normand Breton, General Manager, Harm Mitigation,
who oversees ESA's electrical contractor licensing system. It's not
enough for a contractor to say they can do electrical work. They need
to show you proof that they are licensed to do electrical work in
Ontario."

Consumers are reminded when considering hiring someone to do electrical
work to follow 'the three C's': check to ensure the contractor holds a valid ECRA/ESA electrical contractor
licence (you can search the database at www.esasafe.com); confirm that they are arranging the appropriate inspections from ESA; and call ESA at 1-877-ESA-SAFE (1-877-372-7233) if you suspect someone is
misrepresenting themselves," added Breton. "And lastly, if you have
hired a general contractor or other companies who may subcontract work
being done for you, insist that they hire a licensed electrical
contractor to complete any electrical work."

Hiring an ECRA/ESA licensed electrical contractor ensures that the
company you have hired:

is fully insured

uses qualified electricians to perform the electrical work you require

will arrange for permits with the ESA

can deliver an ESA Certificate of Inspection

About the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA)

The Electrical Safety Authority's (ESA) role is to enhance public
electrical safety in Ontario. As an administrative authority acting on
behalf of the Government of Ontario, ESA is responsible for
administering specific regulations related to the Ontario Electrical
Safety Code, the licensing of Electrical Contractors and Master
Electricians, electricity distribution system safety, and electrical
product safety. ESA works extensively with stakeholders throughout the
province on education, training and promotion to foster electrical
safety across the province. More information on the Electrical Safety
Authority can be found at www.esasafe.com, through Twitter @HomeandSafety and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ElectricalSafetyAuthority